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Topic: What electrolyte is the best to use for electrolysis of water?  (Read 4460 times)

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Offline nern9

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What electrolyte is the best to use for electrolysis of water?
« on: February 05, 2016, 06:14:29 PM »
Hello!

I feel like doing some science because i am bored, so i decided to split apart water through electrolysis. Ive done some reaserch, but i dont know what the best electrolyte is to use, but ive found that people use potassium hydroxide and sodium sulfate. I want it so that theres no toxic gas/chemicals is produced (like NaCl, because i know that produces chlorine gas).  i have a 12 volt power supply and a bunch of distilled water ready to go, so i just need to decide on a good electrolyte. Thanks!
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Offline Burner

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Re: What electrolyte is the best to use for electrolysis of water?
« Reply #1 on: February 05, 2016, 07:42:29 PM »
I have learnt from school that to electrolyse water we usually a little dilute sulphuric acid. Also, Na+, K+, NO3- and SO42- never preferentially discharges, so you can use chemicals like sodium sulfate, potassium nitrate or those containing only the above 4 ions.

Personally I think hydroxide is OK. Of course, safety must go first. I am not sure if nitrates of high concentration will decompose to give NO2 like concentrated nitric acid does.
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Offline billnotgatez

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Re: What electrolyte is the best to use for electrolysis of water?
« Reply #2 on: February 05, 2016, 10:18:41 PM »
It may not be the best but baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is usually handy in the home.
What are you going to use for electrodes?
What safety measures are you taking when doing home chemistry?

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Offline nern9

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Re: What electrolyte is the best to use for electrolysis of water?
« Reply #3 on: February 05, 2016, 10:23:48 PM »
For the electrodes, im planning on using copper wire if i cant find anything that is stainless steel. I know that i should use graphite and platinum and other stuff to minimize oxidation, but i dont have much access to that :P For safety im going to use goggles, thick rubber gloves, and be in a very well ventilated area. Any other suggestions?
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Offline billnotgatez

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Re: What electrolyte is the best to use for electrolysis of water?
« Reply #4 on: February 05, 2016, 10:26:33 PM »
If you do a search on this forum you will find many posts that deal with electrolysis.
You might get some ideas on how to proceed.
I think that copper wire is not very suitable.
I have heard that if you are careful, you can get carbon electrodes from old dry cell batteries.
« Last Edit: February 06, 2016, 06:48:50 AM by billnotgatez »
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Offline nern9

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Re: What electrolyte is the best to use for electrolysis of water?
« Reply #5 on: February 05, 2016, 10:29:07 PM »
Alright, ill do some more researching around this forum for electrolysis. Thanks for the help, its greatly appreciated!
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